IONOS Review (2024)
TL;DR: What We Think of IONOS
Although IONOS markets itself aggressively as an easy-to-use web hosting solution that offers full functionality and tons of freebies, it is in fact not that much different from your run-of-the-mill web host. Server resources are limited even for their more expensive shared plans. Renewal prices are reasonable and on par with market average though.
Suitable for:
Beginners-friendly Budget, or Adult Website Hosting
Our Evaluation: IONOS Pros and Cons
IONOS Pros
- Reliable server uptime performance
- Easy-to-use user dashboard
- Built-in DDoS and web applications firewall (WAF) protection
IONOS Cons
- Unhelpful customer support
- Expensive signup price
- Limitations in SSL usage
- Price increase during the renewal
Our Detail Findings & Experience with IONOS
About IONOS: Quick Introduction
With roots tracing back to its establishment in 1988 as 1&1 Internet in Germany, IONOS has evolved into a significant player in the internet services domain. Following mergers and rebranding, including a pivotal union with ProfitBricks in 2018, the company adopted the name 1&1 Ionos under the leadership of CEO Achim Weiss. Renowned for its global provision of web hosting, cloud computing, and domain services.
| Performance |
Is IONOS fast in terms of hosting speed and performance?IONOS offers dependable hosting services, with a focus on steady website functionality. While their hosting performance is not exceptional, the web host incorporates essential technologies including built-in caching mechanism, HTTP-2, , along with various server upgrades to enhance your website’s speed. |
| Security |
Are websites hosted on IONOS secure with server-side security?Yes, websites hosted at IONOS are safe. IONOS prioritizes security with features such as auto malware scan, advanced web application firewall (WAF), DDoS protection, free SSL certificates, daily backup, . These measures protect your data and ensure your site is secure from common cyber threats. |
| Supports |
What types of customer support does IONOS offer?Customer support at IONOS has room for improvement, with some users experiencing longer response times and less personalized assistance. You can reach out to their support team via phone, live chat, and email. |
| Value for Money |
Is IONOS worth its pricing in term of value?IONOS is reasonable priced when weighed against its feature offerings and long-term cost. At $5 per month (renews at $6/mo), basic shared hosting allows you to host 1 website with 24/7 customer support, a free domain name, daily backup, and 30-days money back guarantee. Higher plans with better features like VPS starts at $2/mo, cloud hosting at $/mo and dedicated hosting at $50/mo. |
| Overall Users Satisfaction |
What do users say about IONOS?Based on our market research, IONOS by 1&1 received mixed reviews from its users. Many users like IONOS for its powerful uptime and user-friendly interface. Nevertheless, some users have reported slow response times in IONOS customer supports and expressed concerns over its pricing. The company charges significantly higher compared to other providers in the market. For additional insights, please refer to the user reviews section below. |
| Beginners Friendliness |
Is IONOS suitable for beginners?Offering a range of features and reliable uptime performance, we think IONOS is suitable for beginners and first-time website owners. Its shared hosting plans include CDN integration, daily backups, and ample storage, providing a solid foundation for simple websites or small business sites. However, note that the web host does not offer free site migration and is slightly pricier than market average – which can be a turn off for some users. |
| Small Business Friendliness |
Is IONOS suitable for small businesses?IONOS may present challenges for small to medium-sized businesses due to its complex pricing structure, where introductory rates significantly increase after the initial period, potentially impacting long-term budgeting. Additionally, IONOS restricts sign-ups from certain countries, which might limit its suitability for SMBs operating or targeting audiences in those regions |
| Web Developers Friendliness |
Is IONOS suitable for web developers?IONOS is not the best for web developers. Their shared hosting has limited features for developers; and VPS plans are less powerful compared to competitors (fewer CPU cores and RAM). The use of a custom control panel instead of the standard cPanel could lead to a steeper learning curve and less intuitive experience for developers accustomed to cPanel’s layout. |
| Host Own Email |
Can you host custom email accounts with IONOS?Yes, you can host your own email accounts with IONOS. This significantly reduces your costs by eliminating the need for expensive third-party email services. |
| Onboarding |
Is IONOS easy for new customers to start with?– |
| Free Trial |
Is IONOS available for a free trial?Yes, IONOS offers a 30-day free trial period. If you are not satisfied with their services for any reason, you can cancel within this period and receive a full refund. |
IONOS Plans & Pricing
IONOS provides a range of web hosting solutions, including Shared, VPS, and Dedicated hosting plans. The company also offers specialty hosting services such as Managed WordPress, Adult Websites, Email, and Minecraft hosting.
Consider Renewal Prices When Choosing
When evaluating hosting options, it is important to note that many hosting companies offer substantial discounts during the initial signup period, but prices often increase significantly upon renewal. Be sure to research and compare the renewal prices and not just the introductory rates to understand the true cost of hosting over time.
To help you in making an informed decision, we have prepared two tables below that compare the initial signup costs and renewal costs of IONOS services with several other providers we monitor.
Compare IONOS’s Signup Cost Against Competitors
| Web Host | Shared | VPS | Dedicated | Cloud | Managed WP | Windows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IONOS | $5.00 – 13.00/mo | $2.00 – 30.00/mo | $50.00 – 150.00/mo | $ – /mo | $4.50 – 11.00/mo | $6.00 – 11.00/mo |
| Servers.com | $ – /mo | $5.37 – 692.04/mo | $104.9 – 712.64/mo | $5.37 – 692.04/mo | $ – /mo | $ – /mo |
| WP Engine | $ – /mo | $ – /mo | $ – /mo | $35.00 – 675.00/mo | $15.00 – 145.00/mo | $ – /mo |
| Hostens | $2.00 – 8.00/mo | $5.25 – 21.00/mo | $49.99 – 89.99/mo | $ – /mo | $ – /mo | $13.13 – 52.50/mo |
| Hostinger | $2.99 – 9.99/mo | $4.49 – 19.99/mo | $ – /mo | $9.99 – 29.99/mo | $2.49 – 8.99/mo | $ – /mo |
| N6 Cloud | $2.24 – 9.74/mo | $2.96 – 91.84/mo | $104.25 – 374.25/mo | $3.82 – 63.72/mo | $9.74 – 49.49/mo | $ – /mo |
Compare IONOS’s Renewal Cost Against Competitors
| Web Host | Shared | VPS | Dedicated | Cloud | Managed WP | Windows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IONOS | $6.00 – 16.00/mo | $2.00 – 50.00/mo | $100.00 – 250.00/mo | $ – /mo | $6.00 – 15.00/mo | $12.00 – 22.00/mo |
| Servers.com | $ – /mo | $5.37 – 692.04/mo | $104.9 – 712.64/mo | $5.37 – 692.04/mo | $ – /mo | $ – /mo |
| WP Engine | $ – /mo | $ – /mo | $ – /mo | $35.00 – 675.00/mo | $30.00 – 145.00/mo | $ – /mo |
| Hostens | $4.00 – 16.00/mo | $7.50 – 30.00/mo | $49.99 – 89.99/mo | $ – /mo | $ – /mo | $18.75 – 75.00/mo |
| Hostinger | $7.99 – 24.99/mo | $13.99 – 59.99/mo | $ – /mo | $24.99 – 64.99/mo | $11.99 – 24.99/mo | $ – /mo |
| N6 Cloud | $5.99 – 17.24/mo | $5.14 – 153.75/mo | $126.75 – 468.75/mo | $3.82 – 63.72/mo | $9.74 – 49.49/mo | $ – /mo |
Caution: Prices May Vary Web hosting prices can change frequently. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, please visit the official IONOS website.
Is IONOS the Right Choice for You?
Navigating the world of web hosting with IONOS feels like a breeze for beginners and those keeping an eye on their budget. It’s a package that comes with the peace of mind of reliable server uptime and shields you with DDoS and WAF protection.
Yet, IONOS is not without its hurdles; getting a timely response from customer support can feel like a quest, and the SSL certificate freedom isn’t as expansive as one might hope. And while the initial price tag looks friendly, a hike in rates at renewal time calls for some forward-thinking in your budget strategy.
Summary of IONOS Pros and Cons
IONOS Pros
- Reliable server uptime performance
- Easy-to-use user dashboard
- Built-in DDoS and web applications firewall (WAF) protection
IONOS Cons
- Unhelpful customer support
- Expensive signup price
- Limitations in SSL usage
- Price increase during the renewal
IONOS Alternatives to Consider
In case IONOS is not right for you, below are some alternatives to consider. You can also find more options in our hosting reviews page (full list).